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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Sometimes It's Just Not in the Stars!

Sometimes the best laid plans go awry. In July, I began in earnest the training for my 11th marathon—Marine Corps. I and a group of my friends (some training for Chicago, some for the OBX Marathon, and the rest for Marine Corps) began following the F.I.R.S.T. marathon training plan. The plan consists of 3 tough weekly runs (speed, tempo, long) and 2 days of aerobic cross-training. All started well for me. The training was hard, especially in the July North Carolina heat and humidity, but we were troopers and hung in there.

I registered for the marathon before I decided to begin the 6-month personal training and nutrition consultant certification program I'm currently in. Of course, at the time, I thought I was Superman and figured I could handle school and training. Well, like I said earlier, "Sometimes the best laid plans go awry." During the first month of the certification program I could hardly move! Each day (four days a week) consisted of 2.5 hrs of lecture and 2 hours of working out in the gym. These workouts were above and beyond my marathon training. I still thought I was Superman and was hanging in there with all the required marathon training workouts. Well, the body can only take so much before it says, "Whoa, Dude! What are you doing?!" Basically I was overtrained. I was slowing down and getting know where fast.

To back up just a bit—earlier this year, I figured out that even though I'm 44, I could use the Boston qualifying time for 45-year-olds because of when my birthday fell. So, the big plan was to run Marine Corps in 3:30, qualify for Boston 2010, and set a PR as well. I have a couple of friends running Boston 2010 and my goal was to join them.

Back to being overtrained—about a month ago, once I realized a PR and a BQ were not in the cards, I decided to bow out of the race. You see (as many of you can attest to)being laid off, having a family of 5, and living on one income (my wife's) while in school full-time, can be quite a challenge. We're managing, but taking a trip to DC to run a marathon (just to run it) and not achieve a monumental goal, didn't seem fair to the family.

I'm only 44. There are many more marathons in my future and I'll get to Boston one day. While being a little depressed on the day of the race, I realized how fortunate I am. I have a loving family who is fully supportive of my life-transition and career change. What more could I ask for!

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PS: Dena (Chicago), Andy (Marine Corps), and Mike (Marine Corps)—my training buddies—all set PR's! Lisa is about to run the OBX Marathon and I have no doubt she'll blow away her marathon too!

What a positive attitude you have. I love it! I understand depression on race day, that was me last year. Except I am sure you were not curled up on the couch crying! Thanks for another wonderful post!

oh I completley understand, RunnerDude! I've had to step back and tell myself "there will be a time and place for Boston and PR's but right now might now be it" a few times this year already! School, work, kids, and running is a lot to juggle! Hang in there, we will have our day with heartbreak hill :)

Well it really sounds like that was the best decision for your family. I, too, had to give up my BQ goal this year since I had a stress fracture. The great thing is that there is always next year with its new set of circumstances. It will happen, just in due time.

I would love any info you have about how to get back on your feet after a stress fracture. I have not been able to run for the past 6weeks and am hoping my doc says I can start again later this week. I am scared; don't want to injure myself again. Am really looking at the FIRST program. Any insights you have will be great: brisdon@comcast.net

I loved the FIRST program for my last half but decided on a different plan for my first marathon I'm training for. They are tough schedules. I can't imagine doing your FIRST workouts along with 2 hours of lifting. You were insane!!!:) Hope you still BQ one of these days. People who put their priorities in the right places like you did, generally have things work out for them.

While I can understand being disappointed to miss the race, your honesty and amazing attitude are a wonderful lesson for the rest of us (and really as a newbie runner at 41, it gives me something to look forward to!)

It sounds as you made the best decision for you and your family. Boston will not be going anywhere and you can focus on that once you have completed all your classroom training and achieved your certifications.

Way to be realistic and put your family as a priority.I have even more respect for you than ever.

Super reasonable... all the cross-training and gym workouts will make you stronger and more fit in the long run but you really need to keep your focus on running if you want to run your best marathon...

I'm sorry you had to give up your BQ goal. but it sounds like you have your priorities in place. Your family is lucky to have you!

As for your career change, I wish you good luck! I'm also feeling like I am at a crossroads. what is it with the 40's? I guess it is the midlife crisis everyone talks about, however, I don't see it as a crisis, but an opportunity to make a happier life. Best to you!

Why didn't you tell your friends what was going on so they could support you?! Look, I hate to tell you, but we just call you Hercules. You're not really Hercules. You're a regular person and sometimes regular people need other people for support and encouragement. That's what friends are for!

I think you WERE Superman there for awhile. Couldn't believe you were working out 2 hours a day and then still blowing the rest of us away on those training runs. Your Boston time will come, sooner rather than later, I suspect. Meanwhile, you are the BEST training buddy a group could have!

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Certified running and fitness coach Thad McLaurin hosts and writes the popular RunnerDude's Blog as well as being a contributing writer for Active.com. He's also the owner of RunnerDude's Fitness in Greensboro, North Carolina. He has a BA in Education from UNC-Chapel Hill, and his credentials include personal trainer certifications from NPTI and ACSM, as well as running coach certifications from RRCA and USA-Track & Field. Thad’s greatest reward is helping others live healthy, active lifestyles. From general fitness to marathon training, Thad can help you reach your fitness and running goals.